OUR READERS WRITE...

December 26, 2013

I write you today in the hope that someone in our community can help. About four weeks ago someone broke into my 82-year-old father-in- law's home here in Salem and took precious keepsakes that were the last comforting reminders of his recently departed wife of 27 years.

Here is an already grieving man that now has to endure the injustice of having his personal space violated and losing the only belongings that give him comfort in this very difficult time.

It is my hope that the person that did this or someone that has knowledge can help effect the return of these items. It can be as simple as dropping them in an envelope and sending them to the newspaper.

To the person that did this crime, I can't imagine what you may be going through in your life to drive you to do this but ask you to take a moment to think about this man and help ease his pain. You have a chance to deliver a Christmas miracle.

MICHAEL L. MANCUSO,

Salem

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Council should not tax those less fortunate

To the editor:

All of the Salem City General Fund departments provide a service to ALL of the citizens of Salem. Out of the police, fire, housing, street, parks departments only the housing department has a user fee.

Now Mayor Berlin, who has just received a $3,000,000 windfall from an oil and gas lease, and has a $1,000,000 surplus in the General Fund for 2014, is insisting that city council increase the occupancy fee 100 percent.

What is sad is that in these hard economic times, the 100 percent increase will ultimately fall on the people who can least afford it. It is the tenant who is receiving Social Security funds, disability funds, retirement funds, unemployment funds, etc. who will ultimately pay the 100 percent increase.

If a 100 percent increase in the cost of any city service is warranted, I hope Salem City Council finds the funding for the increase in the $1,000,000 General Fund surplus and not tax those less fortunate.

Geoff Goll,

Salem

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Editor's note: According to city auditor, the amount received by the city for the oil and gas lease was $1.3 million (not $3 million as stated in this letter).

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Stresses that Humane Society of CC is local

To the editor:

In my role as president and an active volunteer of the Humane Society of Columbiana County, I recently participated in the Leetonia Sportsman Club Deer Expo. This is a combined exhibitor event and competition where scorers are available to anyone bringing a rack to score. The entrance fee, vendor fee, Chinese auction and homemade offerings from the kitchen all raise money to support the annual Kid's Day. This free event draws over 500 youth to experience outdoor activities that they may otherwise never know.

My reason for participating was to target hunters for the opportunity to dispel the misconception that the Humane Society of Columbiana County (HSCC) is somehow related and/or influenced by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). We displayed a banner that said "We are not HSUS, we are local." We continually must educate the public to the fact that our mission is not that of HSUS. When donations are sent to this national, financial powerhouse, the local humane society does not necessarily see one cent of that donation.

Columbiana County is extremely fortunate to have an active and dedicated no-kill/no-suffering animal welfare organization serving its citizens. Individual callers made nearly 700 calls into the Humane Society of Columbiana County about concerns of animal neglect, cruelty and other animal related issues.

This means that nearly 700 times a person was emotionally impacted by the conditions they witnessed. Humane agents investigate these concerns, offering assistance, education and sometimes intervention to resolve the concern. HSCC became the temporary shelter to an overwhelming 200 animals in 2013, most of which now live in approved safe and loving homes. Nearly 200 pets got a second chance for a quality life because of this local organization.

As 2013 draws to a close, please make it your business to understand the facts about the organizations that you are supporting with your donation dollars. Independent charity evaluators like Charity Watch and Give Well offer in-depth charity research. Visit the organization that you support. On site inspection of the facility and operations is reasonable. Observation of daily activities will give you a firsthand look at how your precious dollars are being spent. We welcome your inquiry and visit at the Humane Society of Columbiana County located at 1825 S. Lincoln Ave. in Salem. Stop in to see and touch the faces of the pets that your donation dollars save. Your heart and our temporary residents will be grateful that you did.